WAYNE COUNTY, WV (WOWK) – The Giovanni’s in Lavalette is helping a family in need of their community’s support.
The pizza place is donating a generous 20% of its proceeds from sales Friday to the Paynter family. Their oldest daughter Raelyn, 17, was killed in a car crash Tuesday. Her younger sister Reece, 15, is still in the hospital fighting for her life.
Family identifies teen killed in Wayne County crash, sister fighting for life
The fundraiser began at 11 a.m. through 8:30 p.m. in an effort to help the family with the sudden financial burden of funeral expenses and medical bills.
“We’ve all been raised here. My whole family’s been raised here, and we’ve always been honored to help the community, which is a big deal,” said Aubrey Watson, daughter of the Lavalette Giovanni’s owner. “I mean’ people can all use the help sometimes, especially in this family’s case of no insurance and no financial help. They really could just use the help. And they’ve set up their GoFundMe and as much as we can help. That’s what we do. We’ve just always been raised to have help and give to people.”
The family’s cousin Clayburne Stevens also shared an update on the family’s middle daughter Friday saying Reece is still in critical condition in the ICU, but she’s showing signs of improvement. He told 13 News the doctors are amazed that she is doing so well. However, he also says Reece is not out of the woods just yet.
The girls are the daughters of Pastor Jason Paynter and Michelle Paynter of Huntington. Jason Paynter is the pastor of Good Shepherd Holiness Church in Huntington.
Stevens also says they’ve had a request for an address to send condolences and financial contributions directly to the family. He says if we wish to broadcast it, contributions and condolences can be sent to the church at:
Pastor Jason Paynter
1163 Jackson Ave.
Huntington, WV 25704
Along with this fundraiser, a GoFundMe has been set up to help the family. The GoFundMe has already raised more than $31,500 as of Friday evening.